The market communicates its mood not only through price but also through volume. This is one message that you really need to pay attention to as volume is a confirmation or a contradiction of price, particularly at certain times.
The message of high volume
The best way to understand high volume is to think of high volume like SOMEONE IS SHOUTING. High volume is like using CAPS LOCK when you are typing. The simple relationship between price and volume is like this:
-
Rising price, rising volume = Increasing demand (bullish).
-
Rising price, falling volume = Decreasing demand (bearish).
-
Falling price, rising volume = Increasing supply (bearish).
-
Falling price, falling volume = Decreasing supply (bullish).
How to view volume?
There are many different ways to view volume on a chart, but one of the simplest ways is to just have volume displayed under the price. The interpretation of price is then complimented by volume. Is volume rising or falling with the price? Is this breakout supported with high volume? Remember, volume validates price and a big fundamental shift in the markets accompanied by high volume is a huge vote of confidence. So, if you have not been consulting volume when trading stocks you have been missing out on a key piece of analysis. If you look at the chart below you can see the volume plotted underneath the price.
There are other ways to have volume displayed like using volume profile (very useful) and equivolume charts, but if you have not looked at volume before the simplest way is to look at the example seen here and start with that.
Our products and commentary provides general advice that do not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. The content of this website must not be construed as personal advice.
Editors’ Picks
Gold plunges on sudden US Dollar demand
Gold drops markedly on Thursday, challenging the $4,900 mark per troy ounce following a firm bounce in the US Dollar and amid a steep sell-off on Wall Street, with losses led by the tech and housing sectors.
EUR/USD turns negative near 1.1850
EUR/USD has given up its earlier intraday gains on Thursday and is now struggling to hold above the 1.1850 area. The US Dollar is finding renewed support from a pick-up in risk aversion, while fresh market chatter suggesting Russia could be considering a return to the US Dollar system is also lending the Greenback an extra boost.
GBP/USD change course, nears 1.3600
GBP/USD gives away its daily gains and recedes toward the low-1.3600s on Thursday. Indeed, Cable now struggles to regain some upside traction on the back of the sudden bout of buying interest in the Greenback. In the meantime, investors continue to assess a string of underwhelming UK data releases released earlier in the day.
LayerZero Price Forecast: ZRO steadies as markets digest Zero blockchain announcement
LayerZero (ZRO) trades above $2.00 at press time on Thursday, holding steady after a 17% rebound the previous day, which aligned with the public announcement of the Zero blockchain and Cathie Wood joining the advisory board.
A tale of two labour markets: Headline strength masks underlying weakness
Undoubtedly, yesterday’s delayed US January jobs report delivered a strong headline – one that surpassed most estimates. However, optimism quickly faded amid sobering benchmark revisions.
RECOMMENDED LESSONS
Making money in forex is easy if you know how the bankers trade!
I’m often mystified in my educational forex articles why so many traders struggle to make consistent money out of forex trading. The answer has more to do with what they don’t know than what they do know. After working in investment banks for 20 years many of which were as a Chief trader its second knowledge how to extract cash out of the market.
5 Forex News Events You Need To Know
In the fast moving world of currency markets where huge moves can seemingly come from nowhere, it is extremely important for new traders to learn about the various economic indicators and forex news events and releases that shape the markets. Indeed, quickly getting a handle on which data to look out for, what it means, and how to trade it can see new traders quickly become far more profitable and sets up the road to long term success.
Top 10 Chart Patterns Every Trader Should Know
Chart patterns are one of the most effective trading tools for a trader. They are pure price-action, and form on the basis of underlying buying and selling pressure. Chart patterns have a proven track-record, and traders use them to identify continuation or reversal signals, to open positions and identify price targets.
7 Ways to Avoid Forex Scams
The forex industry is recently seeing more and more scams. Here are 7 ways to avoid losing your money in such scams: Forex scams are becoming frequent. Michael Greenberg reports on luxurious expenses, including a submarine bought from the money taken from forex traders. Here’s another report of a forex fraud. So, how can we avoid falling in such forex scams?
What Are the 10 Fatal Mistakes Traders Make
Trading is exciting. Trading is hard. Trading is extremely hard. Some say that it takes more than 10,000 hours to master. Others believe that trading is the way to quick riches. They might be both wrong. What is important to know that no matter how experienced you are, mistakes will be part of the trading process.
The challenge: Timing the market and trader psychology
Successful trading often comes down to timing – entering and exiting trades at the right moments. Yet timing the market is notoriously difficult, largely because human psychology can derail even the best plans. Two powerful emotions in particular – fear and greed – tend to drive trading decisions off course.
